[332] This vote immediately called forth a protest from the Eastenders, in the following words:--
This difference of opinion, running longitudinally east and west, destroyed not the harmony of the town in other things; but served only to postpone action, and wait the leadings of Providence. More than two years elapsed before we find the following vote: “To place the new meeting-house either on the north or south side of the country road, on a piece of land belonging to John Bradshaw, jun.” This spot was afterwards rejected. More unanimity began now to prevail in this matter; and a committee was chosen whose wisdom and impartiality harmonized every thing. The spot selected was,on the south side of the country road, near “Marble Brook,” four or five rods south-east of the bridge now across that stream, which afterwards took the name of “Meeting-house Brook,” and retains it to this day. The land was owned by that self-made and thrifty farmer, Mr. John Albree; and on the 10th of January, 1726, the town voted to give fifty-five pounds for one acre, and to appropriate three hundred and sixty pounds for the building of the house. The committee appointed to determine the size and shape of the house were “Thomas Tufts, Esq., Captain Ebenezer Brooks, Mr. Peter Seccombe, Mr. John Richardson, Captain Samuel Brooks, Mr. John Willis, Mr. William Willis, Lieutenant Stephen Hall, Mr. John Francis, Mr. Benjamin Parker, and Mr. John Whitmore.” They reported that “it would be proper for this town to build a meeting-house fifty-two feet large, thirty-eight feet wide, and thirty-three feet posts.” This report was accepted, and the same committee empowered to build the house. Every thing now went on harmoniously; and we can easily imagine the appearance of the new house,--more than twice as
